The court heard Mr Shearer was driving to collect a group of lawyers and their partners from nearby Haddo House when he passed the scene of the crash.

He statement to police said: "I saw a person on all fours on the verge. I did not see anyone else. The person was crawling towards me, but didn't do anything to attract my attention. I saw a Daihatsu vehicle down an embankment."

Mr Shearer also told police he got the feeling the accident had happened only a few minutes before he arrived on the scene.

He added that he spoke to Mr Webster, who appeared concerned and shocked, and he said something about a motorcyclist.

Because of this, Mr Shearer looked under both sides of the 4x4 to see if there was anybody there.

He added: "I'd also have looked into the vehicle as well, but did not see any person inside. I did not see anything resembling another vehicle or person beneath the vehicle."

The court was told Mr Shearer told Mr Webster to stay where he was and drove to a nearby house and asked the owner to phone for help.